Hammer is happy to play wherever he is needed

West Ham’s Joey O’Brien has played in several positions since joining the club over the summer.

But the Irishman doesn’t care what position he is asked to play in, as just stepping onto the field of play is an achievement for the 25-year-old.

O’Brien made just 12 appearances in the past three years for his former club Bolton Wanderers due to a serious knee injury and after making his Hammers debut on Sunday could not hide his delight at playing the whole 90 minutes.

“I’m delighted to be back playing football after two-and-a-half years with the knee problem I had,” he said.

“Once I am out there playing football where I am, you won’t see me complain.”

After first playing in midfield for the Hammers, O’Brien has mostly featured at right back – a position that is familiar with the versatile player.

“When I was a young kid at Bolton I started in the middle and I made my debut as a midfielder under Sam,” he said.

“But what happened was the right back got injured and I was known for being able to play there, so I ended up playing there and must have played 20 or 25 games at right back.

“For me it is more alien coming back and playing football than it is coming to play at right back.”

O’Brien also reveals that he does not yet feel completely match fit, but believes it will come with time.

“I think I’m still a bit off match-wise,” he said.

“Towards the end of the game I was feeling it a bit, but I think I just need to play regular games.

“I haven’t played a lot of games in the last three years really, so if I can get a run of games in the next five or six weeks, I will feel better for it.”

Despite his WestHam debut ending in defeat, O’Brien is confident the club can turn things around.

“We had enough chances to win two or three games,” he said.

“Today was one of those days, but over the next few games we are going to score goals.”

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